Belize Bonefish Bonanza

This special fly fishing adventure in Belize is limited to only 20 anglers and their guests.

Overview

Whether you are new to saltwater fly fishing or chasing a saltwater grand slam, we invite you to join us for an Orvis signature event at El Pescador, a Belize fly fishing lodge.

The island of Ambergris Caye has an excellent year-round fishery with more than 400 square miles of sight-casting flats. From extremely large schools of bonefish to incredible schools of permit, and tarpon exceeding 150 pounds, El Pescador Lodge provides anglers with the opportunity to target a variety of species. You'll enjoy three days of saltwater fishing with your Orvis host, an IFFF-certified casting instructor and expert, Belizean guides who have dedicated their lives to learning where the fish are and how best to catch them.

After each full day on the flats, there's time to relax, take a dip in the pool, and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres and a tropical rum punch at the lodge's well-stocked bar. Cap off each day with fresh, local Caribbean cuisine served family style on the outdoor deck while you swap stories from the day's activities.

Extend your trip or bring along a non-angling companion to enjoy this tropical paradise. Snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters of the world's second largest barrier reef, or take a day trip to explore Mayan ruins. Belize is English-speaking and only a 2-hour flight from Houston, Dallas, or Atlanta.

Trip Highlights

A top destination for both first-time saltwater anglers as well as experienced anglers chasing the saltwater Grand Slam.

Three days of saltwater fishing with expert Belize fly fishing guides who have lived and fished on these extensive flats for years.

400 square miles of flats with year-round sight-fishing for bonefish, tarpon and permit.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival

You’ll meet your Orvis host at El Pescador Lodge & Villas after a short, local flight to San Pedro from Belize City (included in your trip price). A staff member will meet you at the airport for a scenic boat ride to your beachside home for the week.

Days 2 - 4 | Fishing and Relaxing in the Sun

Anglers will enjoy three full days of saltwater flats fishing with opportunities to target bonefish, tarpon and permit in the company of an expert, Belizean guide. You’ll feel the exhilaration as you speed out to the serene flats-wind in your hair, ready for a day of fun and excitement, aboard a Panga (a Mexican-style skiff, with a casting platform on the front, and a v-shape hull). The boats are well stocked with food and cold drinks, so you can enjoy a full day chasing fish.

Non-anglers will also enjoy this tropical paradise. Head out for a day of exploring with a kayak or canoe or laze the day away by the pool. The staff can also arrange for optional excursions such as snorkeling on the crystal-clear waters of the barrier reef or a day trip to visit Mayan ruins.

At the end of each day, reunite with your fellow travel companions and Or vis host over hors d’oeuvres at the outdoor bar or take a refreshing swim in the pool. As the tropical sun sets, you’ll dine under the stars on local Caribbean specialties prepared by the resort chef. After dinner, enjoy some Belizean cocktails at the bar, including the famous painkiller!

Day 5 | Depart El Pescador

After breakfast, we’ll take you back to San Pedro for flights back to Belize City and flights home. You can catch any flight to the U.S. departing Belize City after 9:30 a.m. If you want to extend your trip to Belize, just give us a call. We can arrange extra nights at El Pescador or help you plan a trip to one of our other destinations in Belize.

Trip Extensions

It’s easy to extend your Belize trip whether you want to spend more time at El Pescador or explore another part of Belize. Want to fish an extra day? No problem. Snorkeling or diving on the reef? We can help!

Many anglers visiting Belize choose to spend extra time exploring the inland jungles and Mayan Mountains of western Belize. Belize is a small country with a tremendous amount of ecological and cultural diversity. A short drive or flight from Belize City puts you in mountainous pine forests or tropical jungles. We will be happy to arrange a stay at a fantastic eco-lodge to help you round out your Belize travel adventure. Please call Orvis Adventures at (800) 547-4322 for pricing and availability.

Activities

The Fly Fishing in Belize

Ambergris Caye is conveniently located amidst some of the most productive bonefish, permit and tarpon flats in the Caribbean. The area has long been a favorite of anglers chasing the coveted tropical saltwater grand slam. Although still a difficult feat, even for highly skilled anglers, many would agree that El Pescador Lodge is probably home to more grand slams than any other lodge in the Caribbean.
The flats extend for miles, providing ample opportunities and a wide variety of species. The nutrient rich ecosystem provides a tremendous amount of food to the bonefish, permit, tarpon and numerous other fish that inhabit the flats. From extremely large schools of small bonefish to incredible schools of permit and tarpon exceeding 150 pounds, variety is what fly fishing in this part of Belize is all about.

Bonefish

Bonefish are the most numerous game fish available in Northern Belize. Many experienced professional and amateur anglers caught their first bonefish with an El Pescador guide. The fish are plentiful and there are always options available to anglers of all skill levels. The average bonefish weighs in at around 2 pounds but there are larger fish available, and fish over 10 pounds have been landed. Most of the bonefishing around Ambergris Caye is done while casting from the platform of a Mexican style panga flats boat. The elevated position of the angler and guide makes spotting fish easier and oftentimes the boat can get closer to the fish than a wading angler can. There are some flats that are hard bottomed and well suited to wade fishing. However, anglers spend most of their time fishing from the boat.

Permit

Permit are a popular attraction for anglers visiting Belize. Although never easy to catch, if you are willing to put in the time and effort, this is one of the best places in the world to connect with this special fish. Permit sizes range from 5 pounds to over 40 pounds with the average fish landed running around 10 pounds.

Tarpon

Tarpon are available year round in smaller numbers. The resident fish that are found in the mangrove creeks from October – April typically range from 15 – 40 pounds and are a lot of fun on a fly rod whenever they are encountered. Most of the tarpon fishing this time of year involves blind casting in deeper channels with sinking lines. In approximately late April through early October the larger migratory tarpon move into the area looking for baitfish schools on their annual migration through the Caribbean. This provides the best opportunity to sight fish for tarpon. It is not unusual to see fish over 100 pounds and larger fish are caught every year.

The unique geography of the area allows El Pescador’s well trained guides to find fish throughout the day by switching locations and species as the tide fluctuates. In addition to bonefish, permit and tarpon, these bonefishing guides are well trained and eager to pursue other species including jacks, snapper, barracuda and the occasional snook.

The Fly Fishing Guides

All of El Pescador’s fishing guides were born and raised on Ambergris Caye. Many of the guides have been working at El Pescador Lodge for over 20 years, and all are expert anglers. The guides have an encyclopedic knowledge of the fishery, coming from a lifetime dedicated to learning where the fish are and how best to catch them on a fly. El Pescador’s guides are happy to help teach you some of their secrets and will work hard to maximize your opportunities for success.

Many of the small inns and resorts on Ambergris Caye offer to arrange day trips with independent guides. However, ask anyone in Belize if they are a fishing guide and you will most likely get a confident “yes”. The same individual may also claim to be an expert carpenter or SCUBA dive instructor. All guides are not created equal, so it is important to choose carefully. If fishing is an important part of your vacation to Ambergris Caye, there is no substitute for the well organized fishing program and friendly professional guides at El Pescador.

Other Activities

Snorkeling: the waters are crystal clear, there’s a major barrier reef close to the lodge, and a marine park.

Dive: there’s a dive shop and they arrange a variety of daily dives, including trips to the Blue Hole offshore.

Mayan ruins: daytrips to the mainland can be arranged to visit the impressive ruins.

Birding/kayaking: tours are available along the protected mangrove coast as well as along the beach.

Sailing: daytrips and sunset cruises are available.

Lodging

BEACHFRONT ACCOMMODATIONS

This grand slam fishing lodge in Belize is the perfect destination for first-time saltwater anglers and seasoned veterans. Experienced anglers can head off to the more technically-challenging flats while the beginners can focus on technique – and catch bonefish – closer to the lodge.

El Pescador Lodge is nestled on a quiet, immaculate beach, just a few miles north of San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye. The colonial-style lodge features a long verandah overlooking the beach and barrier reef and is surrounded by swaying palms and tropical flowering plants. The resort features three swimming pools as well as complimentary use of kayaks, canoes and bicycles.

You will have the option of staying in a recently renovated standard room in the main lodge or upgrading to a private, beachfront villa. Regardless of your choice, all of the air-conditioned rooms are comfortable and have a nice view of the beach. There are two double beds in each room, so sharing a room with another angler is easy. Private rooms are also available.

Single anglers will not be charged the private boat supplement as long as they are willing to share a guide with another single angler. Offer only valid on this Orvis Adventures special group departure.

RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!

Upgrades and Extensions

PRIVATE VACATION VILLA: Upgrade to a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom private, ocean view villa for an additional $75-$100 per person per night.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP: It’s easy to extend your stay at El Pescador for additional days or nights. We can also help you plan an extension to the inland jungles and Mayan Mountains of Western Belize. Call the Orvis Adventures team at (800) 547-4322 to check availability and pricing.

Orvis Travel Special Offer:

Each angler will receive a Helios 3 fly rod, model of choice.

Included:

Each angling package includes a Helios 3 fly rod ($898 value)

4 nights lodging in an air-conditioned, en suite room in the main lodge

3 days of guided fishing from flats boats (2 anglers per boat is standard)

Expert advice and support from El Pescador’s fishing director

An Orvis Trip Leader will be on site to help you maximize your success

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